New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1887-02-23
THE ELECTIONS IN GERMANY.

Prince Bismarck has scored prccariOus sue
,ess The Government has gained sufficient
number of seats to secure the passage OF the
Army bill in its original form. This was the
immediate object OF the dissolution OF the
Reichstag and The appeal to the country. A
large increase OF the army can he obtained
many new batteries of artillery can be pro-
vided and the military establishment can be
placed for seven years beyond the control OF
Parliament Nominally this is a triumph for
the Chancellor; but when he surveys the field
Of German politics he will find so many ominous
signs Of growing dissatisfaction with milltar-
ism and political compression that he may we'll
rue the day when be challenged public opinion
II. tho Empire. The great vote given for So
cialist candidates, not only in Berlin, but also
in other centres of population indicates clearly
tie trent OF political thought The revol:
against existing institutions is rapidly spread
,re among tho educated as well as the working
classes. Liberalism in its most progressive
forms is swept aside and Socialism, which
Prince Bismarck has been powerless to sup
press by drastic legislation. is becoming pop
Mar in its most revolutionary forms This fact,
coupled with the stcadiness of the hostile Cath
oio vote under the enormous pressure eXerted
from the Vatican in favor OF the Septennate,
,nd the stubborn resistance offered to the pro-
GERS of Communication in Alsace-Lorralne must
serve to warn tho Chancellor that troublous
times are in store for the Fatherland.
The collapse OF Liberalism is the mosh
marked feature of the elections. We do not
refer to the party known as National Liberals,
who are now to bc accounted as Conservatives.
Tie secession of the more progressive element
of the party few years ago deprived 1t OF
large share OF its political authority which was
once very great. The remnant Will probably
have increased representation in the Relchstag
In consequence Of the elections but it is spent
force in German politics. True Liberalism has
been confined TO the ranks OF the new German
Liberal party, which was formed 10y an ANAL
camation of the Progrcsssts and Scccsionists.
This party, while brilliantly led by Mr.. Rich
f., and his associates. has been crippled in the
elections. The nation appears to have lost
faith in Liberal principles. The pendulum
swings the full length of the arc from Con
seryatism to Socialism. In 1S4S Germany
was swayed by revolutionary impulse that
was dominated by genuine Liberal sentiment.
Today Liberalism is dctcstcd alike 10y I'm
periallsts Ultramontanes and Socialists. The
new impulses that are stirring the depths OF
German character are dangerous forces which
excite forcbodings and anxiety throughout
Europe.
Prince Bismarck believed twenty years ago
that he could satisfy the German craving for
liberty and self-govemment by giving every
man the right to vote and the Rechstag UNI
limited powers of debate. He considered it
necessary to place the military system, all
issues Of foreign policy and all responsibility
for the administration of the business Of the
Empire beyond the reach of the clamors OF the
multitude lie has succeeded in reducing
Parliament to the level of a National debating
society without the power Of initiating lcgisla-
ton or of holding Ministers accountable for
public policy. He has not succeeded in salts
fying the democratic instincts OF universal
suffrage. Political discomfort exists every
where. Undue compression has promoted So
cial restessness. While Prince Bismarck lives
he will remain master Of the fortunes of the
Empire. But who will venture to forecast the
future of the Fathcrand when that strong
hand is taken from the scales Of its destiny